FAQ: What Is the Surgical Treatment for IUD Migration?

The Paragard intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive device designed to provide long-term birth control without hormones.

The Paragard IUD is comprised of a T-shaped frame wrapped in copper wire, which releases copper ions to prevent pregnancy.

Since the primary contraceptive function of this emergency contraception lies in its copper wire, it doesn’t need to release hormones into the body, making it a popular choice for women who don’t want to or are unable to use hormonal birth control methods.

While the Paragard IUD has been an effective form of nonhormonal birth control for many, there have been recent concerns and lawsuits filed by women who have experienced injuries and complications related to this device.

These concerns center around the potential for the IUD to migrate from its intended position, leading to various health issues.

As mentioned, fracturing IUDs are also predominant among the reported issues.

This complication poses even greater health risks, such as uterine perforation, and may require immediate medical attention.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a Paragard IUD, you may be eligible to file a Paragard Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify instantly and to get in touch with our Paragard Lawyers today.

IUD migration is not a normal occurrence and can lead to various issues, such as perforation or embedding of the device into surrounding tissues.

These issues can cause severe pain, infection, scarring, and damage to nearby organs.

What Does IUD Migration Mean?

IUD migration occurs when the device moves from its original uterine placement.

This movement can be a significant problem, as the IUD’s effectiveness relies on staying in the right place.

Migration can take different forms, including partial or complete expulsion or displacement within the uterus.

Various symptoms, such as abdominal pain, severe cramping, abnormal discharge, and unusual bleeding, may indicate that an IUD has migrated.

Although rare, asymptomatic IUD migration could also occur.

This symptomless movement might be more dangerous since the user may not realize there is a problem until it’s too late.

If you suspect that your IUD may have migrated, call your doctor as soon as possible.

What Are the Complications of IUD Migration?

When an IUD migrates, it can lead to a range of complications, particularly when it comes to the Paragard IUD.

Some of the issues associated with Paragard IUD migration include:

• Perforation: The IUD may cause uterine rupture or bladder perforation, leading to severe pain, bleeding, and the potential need for surgical intervention. In extreme cases, this problem may result in permanent damage to surrounding organs.
• Embedding: When an IUD becomes embedded into the uterine wall or nearby tissues, it can cause pain and inflammation. This complication may also require surgical removal of the device.
• Infection: Migration can increase the risk of a pelvic inflammatory disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to more severe health issues. Sometimes, the infection may spread to other organs and cause systemic problems.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: If an IUD migrates and fails to prevent pregnancy, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Fracturing: As mentioned, the breaking of the device is a significant concern with the Paragard IUD. If the contraceptive breaks apart while still inside the body, it can cause severe damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
• Unintended Pregnancy: If the IUD migrates or is expelled, it may no longer provide effective contraception, leading to unintended pregnancy.

What Factors Cause an IUD To Migrate?

Several factors could cause an intrauterine contraceptive device to move out of place.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• IUD Placement Errors: If the IUD is not placed correctly during insertion, it may be more susceptible to migration. If the device moves soon after IUD insertion, it may be due to an incorrect placement by the healthcare provider.
• Defective and Dangerous IUDs: Faulty design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings can result in IUD failure, increasing the risk of migration or other complications.
• Trauma: Any type of physical trauma or injury to the abdomen can cause the IUD to shift or dislodge. The cause of blunt force trauma might include strenuous activities like heavy exercise or sexual intercourse.
• Uterine Contractions: Women experience regular contractions during their menstrual cycle, which can cause the IUD to dislodge and migrate. This regular movement is why many doctors recommend checking the positioning of the device after each period or once every month.
• Bowel Contractions: The IUD can migrate due to rapid bowel movements. The force of defecation can dislodge the IUD if it comes into contact with the abdominal cavity or the rectum.

Before we discuss the surgical treatments for IUD migration, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms that might suggest an IUD has migrated or broken.

Signs that an IUD may have migrated include:

• Severe Pelvic Pain: One of the most common tell-tale signs of IUD migration is sudden or ongoing pelvic pain. If you’ve had your IUD for a while and suddenly experience a sharp, throbbing pain on the general location of your IUD, consult with your healthcare provider.
• Irregular Bleeding: If the IUD migrates and causes damage to the uterus or cervix, it can cause irregular bleeding. This symptom is usually accompanied by intense cramping and discomfort.
• Discomfort During Intercourse: Having sex when you have an IUD is not a health risk, but if your IUD has migrated or fragmented, it can cause severe discomfort during intercourse. This discomfort is caused by the sharp edges of a broken IUD scraping against your cervical walls.
• Missing IUD Strings: If you can no longer feel the strings of your copper IUD, it may have migrated or expelled. It’s crucial to check the placement of the strings regularly, as this can help detect any potential issues early on.

If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor promptly to evaluate the IUD’s position and address potential complications.

If the IUD has moved, they may be able to correct the device’s position or remove it if necessary.

If you think your IUD has moved out of place, a correction is imperative.

In most cases, the provider will only perform non-invasive removal methods like a colonoscopy or laparoscopy.

Unfortunately, if the IUD has fractured or embedded in the cervical walls, the peritoneal cavity, the uterine cavity, or other organs, invasive surgery may be needed.

Below, we’ll explore some methods of surgical removal of a migrated IUD:

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope).

This method allows surgeons to examine the pelvic area and remove the IUD if necessary, as documented by Mosley F.R. et al.

Laparoscopy is often the preferred method for addressing IUD migration, as it offers a slightly shorter recovery time, reduced scarring, and less postoperative pain compared to open surgery.

The recovery time is a few days to two weeks.

Exploratory Laparotomy

In some cases of severe IUD migration or when other surgical methods are not feasible, an exploratory laparotomy may be required.

This procedure involves making a larger incision in the abdominal wall to access the pelvic area.

A laparotomy allows surgeons to explore the extent of IUD migration and safely remove the device.

While this procedure is more invasive than laparoscopy, it may be necessary for complex cases.

Laparoscopic removal could take up to six weeks for a full recovery post-operation.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows healthcare providers to examine the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera at its end.

This procedure is essential when there are concerns about the IUD’s migration into the gastrointestinal tract.

If the IUD has perforated the uterine wall and moved into the colon, a colonoscopy can help locate and remove the device.

The procedure is typically done under anesthesia and has a relatively quick recovery time — in most cases, you’ll be back to normal by the next day.

This procedure poses bleeding and perforation risks, so choosing the right doctor is critical.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin tube with a camera.

This procedure is essential when there are concerns about IUD migration into the urinary tract.

Like most imaging procedures, it’s somewhat similar to a pelvic ultrasound.

If the IUD has perforated the uterine wall and entered the bladder, a cystoscopy can help locate and remove the device.

Like colonoscopy, this procedure is usually performed under anesthesia and has a short recovery time.

As mentioned earlier, the Paragard IUD has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, particularly those connected to IUD migration and fractures.

As a result of thousands of Paragard Lawsuits being filed against the manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all Paragard Lawsuits into one single US District Court.

The Paragard MDL was established to streamline the legal process for injured patients.

The MDL will hold its first bellwether trial in October 2024.

Bellwether trials are critical for MDL proceedings, as they typically sets the standard for outcomes in the other lawsuits consolidated in the MDL.

The Paragard IUD has been linked to numerous injuries and complications.

If you suspect that you have experienced IUD migration or any related complications from using the Paragard IUD, you may be eligible to participate in the ongoing Paragard lawsuits.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Paragard Attorneys for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Paragard Lawsuit instantly.

An experienced Paragard Lawyer can help women through the legal process, completing vital steps such as including gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Your Paragard Lawsuit

Collecting evidence is essential when pursuing a Paragard lawsuit.

Potential evidence in a Paragard Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records
• Doctor’s notes
• Device information
• Surgical treatment and hospital records
• Any other evidence related to your Paragard IUD and subsequent medical treatment

Assessing Damages for Your Paragard Lawsuit

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of Paragard injuries and complications.

An experienced lawyer can help victims understand and calculate damages in their case.

Potential damages in a Paragard Lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages or earning capabilities
• Lost quality of life
• Permanent disability
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Other potential compensatory and punitive damages

IUD migration is a grave concern that can lead to various complications and necessitate surgical interventions.

The lawsuit against the companies responsible for the faultiness of the Paragard IUD is still ongoing, and our lawyers are accepting cases from injured women in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a Paragard IUD break or migration, you may be eligible to file a Paragard lawsuit.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Paragard lawsuit instantly.